Motor vehicle movement control

ABSTRACT

. .A movement control system for a motor vehicle comprising a movement control device, an acceleration or deceleration signal and a vehicle speed reference signal insensitive to the vehicles&#39; direction are sent to a controller. The system also includes a throttle actuator, brake actuator and anti-lock braking. The controller which receives the acceleration or deceleration signal and vehicle speed reference signal calculates the rate of change of vehicle speed and energizes either the throttle actuator or brake actuator so that the calculated rate of change of speed compares favorably to the reference signal from the movement control device. A cruise control sends a reference speed signal to the controller which compares it to the vehicle speed signal and energizes either the throttle actuator or brake actuator so that the two signals favorably compare, thus controlling the vehicle speed while in the cruise control mode..!. 
     .Iadd.A movement control system for motor vehicle (17) comprising controller (3) receiving reference signal (2) from movement control device (1) and energizing brake actuator (6), wherein the motor vehicle is equipped with anti-lock braking (16). In one embodiment signal (2) calls for maximum engine speed at one end of its range and maximum braking at the other end of its range. In another embodiment, signal (2) calls for maximum acceleration at one end of its range and maximum deceleration at the other end of its range, wherein controller (3) calculates the rate of change of the vehicle speed signal (4) which is insensitive to the vehicle&#39;s direction, and energizes either throttle actuator (5) or brake actuator (6) until controller&#39;s calculated rate of change of speed compares favorably with reference signal (2). Cruise control compares specifically displayed cruise signal (8) with vehicle speed signal (4). Acceleration control to cruise speed uses reference signal (9). Reference signal (13) from cruise start calls for zero acceleration..Iaddend.

.Iadd.This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.08/266,568, filed Jun. 28, 1994, now abandoned..Iaddend.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As early as 1933 U. S. Pat. No. 1,919,930 (Control Mechanism for MotorVehicles) best summarized in claim 1, discloses a single operatingmember for controlling the speed of the vehicle. Additionally, U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,051,906, 2,063,793, 2,081,254, 2,102,586, 2,135,071, and2,325,771 of August, 1943 all pertain to apparatus with a singleoperating member for controlling the speed of the vehicle.

In 1952 U.S. Pat. No. 2,610,716 recognized the need to prevent skidding(Column 8, line 67) and provided a "manipulative pre-set mechanism underthe control of a driver for adjusting the operation of the brakes."

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Anti-lock braking, as provided on some contemporary vehicles, makes asingle operating member practical and is a fundamental part of theinvention.

Further, in order to get a more uniform response from specific positionsof the movement control device regardless of the degree the vehicle isloaded or whether it is going up or down hill, the invention includes,under the control of the driver, a true accelerator (controlling rate ofchange of speed of the vehicle).

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the overall arrangement of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the operator control element of the movement controldevice.

FIG. 3 shows detail of cruise control signals.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment comprises

A movement control device 1 providing a reference signal 2 to acontroller 3

An additional signal 4 to the controller, insensitive to whether the.Iadd.motor .Iaddend.vehicle .Iadd.17 .Iaddend.is moving forward orbackward, corresponding to the speed of the vehicle

A throttle actuator 5

A brake actuator 6 and anti-lock braking 16

wherein controller 3 calculates the rate of change of speed of thevehicle and energizes either the throttle actuator 5 or brake actuator 6to the extent necessary to make the calculated rate of change of speedcompare as favorably as possible to the reference signal 2 provided bythe movement control device.

A partial advantage can be obtained if only the brake actuator iscontrolled automatically and the throttle is directly under the controlof the operator.

The actuators, energized preferably by an electronic controller, canutilize electrical, pneumatic, or electro-hydraulic power. The throttleactuator is preferably a rotary electric device connected to thethrottle shaft and working against a light spring providing safety incase of system failure and a correct position of the throttle whenstarting the engine. The brake actuator preferably utilizes anelectro-hydraulic system with the hydraulic power source being the motorpump assembly of the anti-lock brake system.

OPERATION

Under normal operating conditions, particularly with electronic fuelinjection, the engine will start at idle and the brakes will be fullyactuated without an attention from the operator. There will be nomovement when the transmission is shifted into either reverse or drive.When movement is desired the operator will move the movement controldevice past the zero acceleration position 7 the amount desired toachieve the given acceleration. To maintain an achieved speed theoperator will return the movement control device to the zeroacceleration position. In order to slow down the operator will positionthe device for the desired deceleration. The controller may simplydeenergize the throttle actuator to the extent necessary but may findenergization of the brake actuator necessary.

When there is not enough friction between the tires and the pavement theanti-lock mechanism will pulse the brakes.

Since the signal 4 corresponding to the speed of the vehicle isinsensitive to whether the vehicle is moving forward or backward nothingspecial need be done when the vehicle is in reverse.

When in cruise control the controller will energize the actuators sothat the signal 4 corresponding to the speed of the motor vehicle isused to compare to the reference signal 8 of the cruise control. Furtherthe cruise control may call for a specific acceleration 9 in reachingthe cruise speed.

Hill hold at rest will be automatic whether going up or down hill. Ifthe operator becomes totally incapacitated and is free from the movementcontrol device, as safe and quick a stop as possible will be achieved.

If the operator maintains a position calling for maximum acceleration 10the throttle actuator will be fully energized and the top speed of themotor vehicle will be reached; and the calculated rate of change ofspeed will no longer compare favorably to the reference signal but willstill compare as favorably as possible.

If maximum deceleration 11 is called for the vehicle will decelerate asrapidly as possible without locking up the wheels. On slippery surfacesthe calculated rate of change of speed will not compare favorably to thereference signal but will compare as favorably as possible.

When the vehicle is at rest and any deceleration is called for the brakeactuator will be fully energized.

A procedure for "getting into cruise" comprises pressing a start button12 and holding it until the movement control device is moved to themaximum deceleration position, during which time the signal 13 calls forzero acceleration, and then releasing the start button thus "gettinginto cruise." This can be done when the vehicle is at rest or moving atany speed. Once at cruise speed the speed setting may be changed and thevehicle speed will follow.

"Getting out of cruise" can be achieved by moving the movement controldevice to preferably a position calling for relatively low decelerationor zero deceleration thus signalling controller 3 to then compare thecalculated rate of change of speed to the acceleration reference signal.

Although not normally used, a regular brake pedal 14 is desireable incase there is system failure or an emergency arises while in cruise.Pressing the brake pedal will provide signal 15 getting the vehicle outof cruise as well as preventing any energization of the throttle orbrake actuators until either cruise is reenergized or the movementcontrol device is moved to at least the position calling for relativelylow deceleration.

I claim:
 1. A movement control system of a motor vehicle comprising acontroller receiving a plurality of signals and energizing at least oneactuator wherein at least one of said plurality of signals emanates froma movement control device, controlled throughout its range by anoperator of said motor vehicle, and provides specific . .acceleration ordeceleration.!. .Iadd.rate of change of speeding up or rate of change ofslowing down .Iaddend.signal values corresponding to specific positionsof the movement control device and another of said plurality of signalsis a signal corresponding to speed of the motor vehicle and ischaracterized by being insensitive to whether the vehicle is movingforward or backward.
 2. The movement control system of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one actuator is a brake actuator of a brake system of themotor vehicle wherein the controller calculates rate of change of speedof the vehicle and energizes the brake actuator to the extent necessaryso that calculated rate of change of speed compares as favorably aspossible to the reference signal provided by the movement controldevice.Iadd., and wherein said brake system of said vehicle includes ananti-lock brake system.Iaddend..
 3. The movement control system of claim1 wherein a specific position of . .the.!. said movement control devicecalls for zero . .acceleration.!. .Iadd.rate of change of speed.Iaddend.of said vehicle, the range on . .the.!. .Iadd.one .Iaddend.sideof said specific position for zero . .acceleration.!. .Iadd.rate ofchange of speed .Iaddend.calling for increasing values of ..acceleration.!. .Iadd.rate of change of speeding up .Iaddend.and therange on the other side of said specific position for zero ..acceleration.!. .Iadd.rate of change of speed .Iaddend.calling forincreasing values of . .deceleration.!. .Iadd.rate of change of slowingdown.Iaddend..
 4. The movement control system of claim 1 wherein said atleast one actuator is a throttle actuator and further comprising a brakeactuator .Iadd.of a brake system of said motor vehicle .Iaddend.whereinthe controller calculates rate of change of speed of the vehicle andenergizes either the throttle actuator or the brake actuator to theextent necessary so that calculated rate of change of speed of thevehicle compares as favorably as possible to the reference signalprovided by the movement control device .Iadd.and wherein said brakesystem of said vehicle includes an anti-lock brake system.Iaddend..
 5. ..The.!. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.movement control system of . .claim 1.!..Iadd.a motor vehicle .Iaddend.wherein . .said.!. at least one actuatoris a throttle actuator of an engine of said motor vehicle and furthercomprising a brake actuator of a .Iadd.primary .Iaddend.brake system ofsaid vehicle .Iadd.still .Iaddend.further comprising a speed referencesignal from a cruise control wherein . .the.!. .Iadd.a.Iaddend.controller energizes either the throttle actuator or brakeactuator to the extent necessary so that the speed reference signalcompares as favorably as possible to the signal corresponding to thespeed of the vehicle .Iadd.and wherein said brake system of said vehicleincludes an anti-lock brake system.Iaddend..
 6. The movement controlsystem of claim . .1.!. .Iadd.5 .Iaddend.further comprising a rate ofchange of speed reference signal from the cruise control wherein thecontroller energizes either the throttle actuator or brake actuator.Iadd.of a brake system of the motor vehicle .Iaddend.to the extentnecessary to produce a rate of change of speed comparing .Iadd.as.Iaddend.favorably .Iadd.as possible .Iaddend.to the rate of change ofspeed reference signal until a vehicle speed is reached when the speedreference signal compares as favorably as possible to the signalcorresponding to the speed of the vehicle .Iadd.and wherein said brakesystem of said vehicle includes an anti-lock brake system.Iaddend.. ..7. The movement control system of claim 1 wherein the at least one ofsaid plurality of signals is a specific acceleration or decelerationsignal from a movement control device..!.8. The movement control systemof claim 5 whereby initiation . .or.!. .Iadd.of .Iaddend.cruise controlis achieved by pressing .Iadd.and releasing .Iaddend.a cruise startbutton which, while depressed, calls for zero . .acceleration.!..Iadd.rate of change of speed .Iaddend.or very low . .deceleration.!..Iadd.rate of change of slowing down .Iaddend.overriding any ..acceleration or deceleration.!. .Iadd.signal .Iaddend.called for by themovement control device, . .and then releasing the cruise startbutton;.!. and whereby conclusion of cruise control is achieved bymoving the movement control device to at least a position of very low orzero . .deceleration.!. .Iadd.rate of change of slowing down.Iaddend..9. The movement control system of claim 8 further comprising a brakepedal under the control of the operator wherein conclusion . .or.!..Iadd.of .Iaddend.cruise control can be achieved by depressing the brakepedal which then also deactivates the throttle and brake actuators untileither the cruise start button is depressed and released or the movementcontrol device is moved to at least a position of very low or zero ..decelerations.!. .Iadd.rate of change of slowing down.Iaddend.. . .10.The movement control system of claim 2 wherein said brake system of saidvehicle includes an anti-lock brake system..!.. .11. The movementcontrol system of claim 4 wherein said brake system of said vehicleincludes an anti-lock brake system..!.12. . .The.!. .Iadd.A.Iaddend.movement control system . .of claim 1.!. .Iadd.of a motorvehicle .Iaddend.wherein . .said.!. at least one actuator is a throttleactuator of an engine of said motor vehicle, said system furthercomprising . .an acceleration.!. .Iadd.a rate of change of speeding up.Iaddend.reference .Iadd.signal .Iaddend.from a cruise control wherein ..the.!. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.controller energizes the throttle actuator tothe extent necessary to produce . .an acceleration.!. .Iadd.a rate ofchange of speeding up of the vehicle .Iaddend.comparing .Iadd.as.Iaddend.favorably .Iadd.as possible .Iaddend.to the . .acceleration.!.reference signal until a speed .Iadd.of the vehicle .Iaddend.is reachedwhen a cruise speed reference signal compares as favorably as possibleto . .said.!. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.signal corresponding to the speed of thevehicle.
 13. A movement control system for a motor vehicle comprising acontroller receiving a plurality of signals and energizing at least oneactuator wherein at least one of said plurality of signals emanates froma cruise speed control device, controlled throughout its range by anoperator of said motor vehicle, and provides specific cruise speedsignal values corresponding to specifically displayed speed controldevice settings, . .and.!. another of said plurality of signals is asignal corresponding to speed . .to.!. .Iadd.of .Iaddend.the motorvehicle . ...!..Iadd., and still another of said plurality of signals isa signal calling for a specific rate of change of speed of the vehicleup or down to a specific cruise speed.Iaddend.. . .14. The movementcontrol system of claim 13 wherein one of said plurality of signals is asignal calling for a specific rate of change of speed of the vehicle upor down to a specific cruise speed..!. The movement control system ofclaim 13 wherein another of said plurality of signals is a zero ..acceleration.!. .Iadd.rate of change of speed .Iaddend.or very low ..deceleration.!. .Iadd.rate of change of slowing down .Iaddend.signalprovided by depression of a cruise start button.
 16. The movementcontrol system of claim 13 wherein another of said plurality of signalsis a cruise conclusion signal provided by movement of a movement controldevice to a position of . .very low or.!. zero . .deceleration.!..Iadd.rate of change of speed or very low rate of change of slowingdown.Iaddend..
 17. The movement control system of claim 13 wherein saidat least one actuator is a throttle actuator for an engine of saidvehicle wherein the controller energizes the throttle actuator to theextent necessary so that .Iadd.the .Iaddend.cruise speed referencesignal compares as favorably as possible to the signal corresponding tospeed of the motor vehicle. .Iadd.18. A movement control system for amotor vehicle comprising a controller receiving at least a signal from amovement control device and energizing at least a brake actuator of abrake system of said vehicle, characterized in that said movementcontrol device, controlled throughout its range by an operator of saidvehicle, calls for maximum engine speed when positioned at one end ofits range, in that said movement control device itself is biased, at anyand all times whenever the operator is free from the movement controldevice, to a position calling for maximum braking, wherein said movementcontrol device is the sole determinant of the extent of the range ofmovement of said device, and in that said brake system is an anti-lockbrake system.Iaddend.. .Iadd.19. A movement control system according toclaim 18 characterized in that said brake system further includes abrake pedal controlled by said operator of said motor vehicle, saidbrake pedal providing alternate energizing means for said brakesystem.Iaddend.. .Iadd.20. A movement control system according to claim18 characterized in that said energization of the brake actuator by thecontroller utilizes electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic meansproviding specific degrees of energization of the brake actuator forspecific values of said signal from the movement controldevice..Iaddend..Iadd.21. The movement control system according to claim18 further comprising a throttle actuator and a cruise reference signalwherein the controller energizes either the throttle actuator or brakeactuator to the extent necessary so that the speed of the motor vehiclecompares as favorably as possible to the speed indicated by the cruisespeed reference signal.Iaddend..